Akeredolu, Jegede, 15 others to contest in Ondo governorship election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says a total of 17 parties will contest in the Ondo governorship election.

In a statement released on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, the commission said all the parties have submitted a list and particulars of their candidates.

The list and personal particulars of the candidates and their parties will be made public on Friday, July 31, according to INEC spokesperson, Festus Okoye.

The commission urged members of the public to take an active part in the vetting of the list to be released on Friday to enhance transparency in the party nomination processes.

"By Section 31 (5) & (6) of the Electoral Act, a person who has reasonable grounds to believe that any information given in the affidavit or any of the documents submitted by any of the candidates is false, may file a suit in court seeking a declaration that such information is false.

"If the court determines that the information is false, the court shall issue an order disqualifying the candidate from contesting the election," Okoye said.

Incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu won the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a primary election that was conducted last week.

Eyitayo Jegede also won the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last week's primary election also contested by incumbent deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi.

Eyitayo Jegede is Governor Akeredolu's main challenger [Twitter/@TayoJegedeSAN] Pulse Nigeria

The October 10 election is expected to be keenly contested between Akeredolu and Jegede who lost the same election four years ago.

When he won the PDP's ticket last week, Jegede said he's best-placed to take over from the incumbent governor.

"By the grace of God, with the assistance of the people, and the support of party members and all the aspirants, we will take over the government of Ondo State on October 10," he said.

While speaking on Monday, July 27, Akeredolu said he's confident of victory over Jegede, although he admitted that it might be tough.

He said, "I don't have anything against him and I just prayed that our campaign should be issue-based without violence, and I know that he knows that it will not be easy for him.

"Yes, it may not be easy for me to win, but by His Grace, I am going to win."

The governor also said the defection of his deputy governor to the PDP will not affect his chances at the polls.